Oldham, Omar Benjamin 1844-1937
OLDHAM, MILLER, HENRY, HANSEL
Posted By: Monica
Date: 4/15/2012 at 00:26:14
I am not related and have no further information, just sharing articles found in an old scrapbook that belonged to Mrs. Clara (Jones) McCartney
Colesburg Pioneer Dies
Omar Benjamin Oldham, pioneer of Iowa, died at the home of his son, Doyle, near Garber, March 10, at the age of 92.When 11 years old he came to Iowa from Pennsylvania with his parents and settled near Colesburg, where his father followed the occupation of gunsmith. Mr. Oldham assisted his father until he was 27, when he was married to Eliza Jane Miller, and the couple began farming.
To this union were born three children: Llewelwyn Arthur, Sylvester Doyle and Cuthbert Garfield, the latter preceding his father in death by three months.
Funeral services were held at the Fairview church Friday, with the Rev. A. H. Meyers of the Zion Immanuel church of near Colesburg officiating. Three grandchildren and three nephews were pall bearers: Ralph and Omar Oldham of Garber, Walter of Oneida, Coyne of Des Moines, C. E. Henry of Postville and Cedric Hansel of Barber.
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Added by Reid R. Johnson 5/23/2023:
Clayton County Register, 17 March 1937.
FAIRVIEW: Omar Benjamin Oldham, third of five children born to Thomas and Elizabeth Oldham, was born in Johnstown, Bedford county, Penn., June 24, 1844, and died at the home of his son, Doyle near Garber, Iowa, March 10, 1937, at the age of 92 years, eight months and 16 days.
He remained in the community of his birth until 11 years of age, when he came to Iowa with his parents in 1855 and settled near Colesburg, where his father began the occupation of gunsmith. Mr. Oldham assisted his father until he was 27 years of age, when in 1871 he was united in marriage to Eliza Jane Miller, and the couple began farming and started housekeeping on the same homestead in which he slipped quietly away Wednesday.
To this union were born three children, Llewelwyn Arthur, Sylvester Doyle and Cuthbert Garfield, the latter preceding his father in death three months ago. His wife, two brothers and two sisters passed away years ago.
After the passing of his wife in 1913, he no longer followed any occupation, but alternately made his home with his three sons until 1920, when he established a permanent residence with Doyle, where he passed the remainder of his life.
He was one of the earlier settlers in this community, Indians, oxen teams, and stage coaches being common then. His family helped organize the Fairview church in 1856.
He survived many hardships and was a typical example of American pioneers. He enjoyed excellent health all through life, and maintained an erect stature and sprightly stride, even until a few weeks before his death. Impaired vision and hearing were handicaps the last few years. His health began to fail shortly after the first of this year and he gradually and peacefully passed away without suffering or burden, and with only old age as a reason.
His lifelong hobby was reading, and the major part of his education was achieved by intensive perusal of periodicals and books - the Bible ranking first as his favorite reading material. He also spent a great deal of time studying music, and was an accomplished student of vocal music.
In passing, he leaves to survive his death, two sons, Elwyn of Oneida, and Dole of Garber; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and a large number of other relatives and friends.
Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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